RV campgrounds around Apple Valley, Minnesota sit within Dakota County, which features elevations ranging from 700-1,100 feet above sea level. The area experiences distinct seasons with camping typically available from mid-April through October, though some facilities remain open year-round. Most campgrounds in this region are situated within 30 miles of Apple Valley, providing convenient access to both urban amenities and natural areas.
What to do
Tubing on the Rum River: At Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River, visitors can enjoy river tubing with convenient transportation. "The tubing is a plus. Had one issue with power dropping so we had to pull the surge protector off then it was fine. Also very hot and humid so everyone was running AC to the max. Key thing is the river is very clean and sandy bottom," notes one camper.
Golfing options: Several campgrounds offer easy access to golf courses. At Cleary Lake Regional Park, "golfing nearby that seemed reasonably priced for those interested" is available according to a recent visitor.
Biking trails: Lebanon Hills Regional Park offers extensive biking opportunities through wooded areas. As one visitor mentioned, "Great biking and hiking trails. Great amenities. Close to the zoo as well as the city."
Swimming and water activities: Family-friendly water recreation is available at many parks. At Lake Byllesby Campground, "we didn't get to swim at the lake because it was shut down due to a chemical spill at the time, but we did walk over and check it out. The views are great!"
Casino entertainment: For adult entertainment, Treasure Island RV Park provides convenient casino access. "There is a shuttle to the casino and at 7pm folks seemed to clear out to head over. It was honestly one of the quietest campgrounds we've been to on a Friday night," according to one review.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the site layouts at Baker Park Reserve. "The sites a Baker Park Reserve are larger than average. This is a big campground with a lot of paved bike trails and a nice lake a short walk away." The campground provides good spacing between sites despite being popular.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathroom facilities are consistently mentioned in reviews. At Lebanon Hills Regional Park, "the bathrooms were among some of the nicest I've used at a campground. The shower stall was big enough for a meaty human like myself to shower comfortably."
Level parking areas: Dakotah Meadows RV Park receives praise for site construction. "Beautiful campground with cement parking pads with full hookups. The grass around the lots is very green, lush and well maintained," shares one visitor.
Security: Several campgrounds feature regular security patrols. At Country Camping RV Park, "security patrols regularly and there is shuttle if you want to visit casino," according to one review.
Pet amenities: Many campgrounds are pet-friendly with designated areas. Dakotah Meadows features a "dog park available, watch a few spots in fence near bottom where fencing has risen up...little dogs could easily climb under."
What you should know
Seasonal algae issues: Some lakes in the region experience water quality concerns. At Lake Byllesby Campground, "the lake had a blue green algae problem. Other than that it was great and had fun geocaching spots."
Connectivity varies: Cell service can fluctuate between campgrounds. At Dakotah Meadows Campground, "wifi is not great, less than 1MB download speeds from our site, and our Verizon service was pretty poor in our spot, max 2 bars."
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds require advance planning during peak season. For Lebanon Hills, "reserve early online, most weekends were already reserved by mid May."
Road noise: Some campgrounds experience road noise despite natural settings. At Lebanon Hills, "the only criticisms we have are that you can hear road noise — and depending on your site you'll hear the alarm of one of the access gates for the Minnesota Zoo."
Weather considerations: Summer humidity can affect comfort and electrical systems. Country Camping Tent & RV Park visitors noted issues during hot weather: "Had one issue with power dropping so we had to pull the surge protector off. Also very hot and humid so everyone was running AC to the max."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Town & Country Campground features play areas for children. "The kids enjoyed the compact playground and pool. The site we're in is w&e only but they have a dump station."
Swimming options: Many parks offer swimming facilities. At Country Camping Tent & RV Park, one camper noted "heated pool, splash pad area, BIG playground area, indoor game room, HUGE sites!"
Geocaching opportunities: Some parks offer geocaching for family exploration. A Lake Byllesby visitor mentioned they "had fun geocaching spots" within the park despite water quality issues.
Consider site location: Families should select sites strategically. One Baker Park camper shared: "We went with a group of friends (all families with young kids). It was the perfect place to easily get in, set up, hangout, and just relax. The sites are fairly large, but very open."
Plan for bathroom proximity: When camping with children, bathroom location matters. One Lebanon Hills visitor noted their "spot was spacious, and close to the bathrooms and play area. The play area was really nice and looked brand new."
Tips from RVers
Parking surface quality: Different parks offer various pad surfaces. At Treasure Island RV Park, "it is basically a parking lot with mostly pull through sites. The last row consists of 'deluxe' back-in sites with a few trees. That being said, it is well maintained, the sites are level, the park was clean."
RV washing stations: Some facilities offer cleaning options. "There is fuel on site as well as RV wash station," noted one Dakotah Meadows visitor. Town & Country Campground is "super close to a gas station and RV wash bay."
Site leveling needs: Terrain varies between parks. Treasure Island RV Park users appreciate that "the sites are level, the park was clean, and the utilities were in good working order."
Pet exercise areas: For travelers with pets, designated walking spaces matter. At Treasure Island, "we have dogs so the fact that it's all asphalt and rock is a bit of a bummer but we are close to the exercise area and they do love little walks."
Power considerations: During peak summer, electrical capacity can be stretched. At Country Camping, a visitor mentioned having "one issue with power dropping so we had to pull the surge protector off. Also very hot and humid so everyone was running AC to the max."
